Kristie Mitchell - USFS and PSA Coach

Head Coach - Chaska Figure Skating Club

Specializes in all competitive, test track, and recreational skaters, moves in the field, choreography, and power skating.

Kristie grew up skating in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where she volunteered as a skate school instructor, and spent her summers skating in both Bemidji and Duluth.She’s a founding member of theChaska Figure Skating Club and has been a competitive skating coach for over 30 consecutive years. In addition, Kristie is also the director for bothChaska Skate SchoolandWaconia Skate School.She received herProfessional Skaters AssociationCoaches Accreditation at the University of Delaware, is rated through the Profession Skaters Association in freestyle and group lessons, has completed courses from theIce Skating Institute, and is a strong standing member of the United States Figure Skating Association.In order to enhance her coaching techniques, sheattends annual PSA conferences, programs, and seminars. This includes learning from national, international, and Olympic level coaches.

Kristie has coached multiple state champions, local medalists, regional medalists, and USFS Gold medalists. She specializes in freestyle, moves-in-the-field, power skating, and choreography.She coaches private skating lessons of all levels, off-ice classes, power classes, and skate school classes. As a coach, Kristie instills confidence, discipline, and grace into her skaters. She develops a strong foundation, for all aspects of skating, including artistry, freestyle, moves-in-the-field, strength, and flexibility.She believes that skating opens the doors to many opportunities and experiences that her skaters will carry with them throughout their lives. Kristie helps her skaters meet their goals and sharpen their focus.

Erin Swanson - USFS and PSA Coach

Specializes in all competitive, test track, and recreational skaters, moves in the field, choreography, and power skating.

Erin began skating at the age of 8, and grew up skating with the Chaska Figure Skating Club. Erin has passed her Gold Moves in the Field, Gold Free Skate, and Silver Solo Dance tests. She continued skating for several years as an adult, and is a three-time Minnesota State Adult Masters Champion. Erin began coaching in 2001 and is a PSA accredited coach and USFS registered coach. She also has PSA Hockey I & II and Power Skating certifications. Erin graduated from Bethel College with a degree in mathematics and currently lives in Chanhassen. She is a CFA charterholder and is a fixed income analyst at BPS Capital Management in Bloomington.

Mary Ament-Johnson – USFS and PSA Coach

Junior Club Coordinator - Chaska Figure Skating Club

Specializes in all competitive, test track, and recreational skaters, moves in the field, choreography, and power skating

Mary has been skating for 35+ years. She started skating with the Duluth Figure Skating Club, and skated with the Minneapolis Figure Skating while in college. She has competed at the US Precision Skating National Championships, where she received a bronze medal with her team.

Mary has been coaching since 2009 and is registered with USFS and is PSA Accredited/CER A Certified. She coaches private students and small group lessons for both competitive and recreational skaters. She also specializes in focus on moves in the field, and off-ice training. Her passion is bridging skaters from skate school to full CFSC membership, and she is the current Jr. Club, Director.

Mary graduated from the University of Concordia with a degree in Business and a concentration in Organization Management. Mary is an IT Professional with a primary focus on Project Management Office (PMO) start-up, Process Development, Project and Program Management with many clients around the Twin Cities.

Susan Schendel – USFS and PSA Coach

Specializes in recreational and competitive skaters, small group lessons, moves in the field, and power skating.

Susan has been skating for 20+ year. She started skating with the Maplewood Figure Skating Club, skated with the Synergy Figure Skating Club in college, and again with Maplewood as an adult. Susan focused most of her skating career on Synchronized Skating, competing at various levels from Beginner to Adult. She has competed at US Synchronized Skating National Championships multiple times.

Susan has been coaching since 2012 and is registered with USFS and PSA. She specializes in small group lessons for both competitive and recreational skaters. She also specializes in focus on power skating and moves in the field.

Susan graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in Actuarial Science and Finance & Risk Management. She is currently working as an Actuarial Consultant at Optum/UnitedHealth Group. She is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, and is currently pursuing a Fellowship with the Society of Actuaries. Susan currently works as an Actuarial Consultant at Optum/UnitedHealth Group.

Laurel Peabody - USFS and PSA Coach

Laurel has been skating for 19 years. She skated with Northern Lights Figure Skating Club in East Grand Forks, Minnesota where she competed individually and on many synchronized figure skating teams. Laurel has passed her Gold Ice Dance tests, and her Senior Moves in the Field test. While in college, Laurel skated with Team North Dakota Collegiate Synchronized Figure Skating Team, and was a member of the University of North Dakota Hockey Cheerleading Team for four years, being captain for two.

Laurel coached Learn to Skate classes from 2009-2012 and has been a USFSA private coach since 2013, coaching year-round. Laurel specializes in Moves in the Field, Ice Dance, and Freedance. She also enjoys coaching freestyle and choreographing routines. Laurel is PSA and USFSA certified.

Laurel graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and Psychology. She lives in Minneapolis and works at Lift Brands Elevated Wellness in Chanhassen, as a Social Media Specialist.

Lauren started skating competitively at the age of 8. She is a Gold Test in both Moves-in-the-Field and Freestyle; she has trained with world-renowned coaches in both the U.S. and Canada.

Recently she retired from her 10 year professional career of skating with Disney On Ice. Lauren skated with three different productions in over 50 countries with skaters from around the world. She was a principle performer as well as understudy for various roles throughout her career. The last two seasons with the company she was the Ladies Line Captain, teaching and helping to maintain the quality of the show, she worked closely with the Production Director.

Lauren enjoys sharing her passion for skating and performing with skaters of all ages.

I learned to skate, test, compete, and ultimately coach, at Braemar Ice Arena in Edina, MN. I am a gold medalist in figures and a silver medalist in free style. I appreciate all levels of skaters and always try to instill a sense of joy and appreciation for the life-long sport of ice skating. Setting goals is an important part of improving one’s skills and technique. I have supported skaters through their gold tests, local and regional competitions, and I have coached a nationally ranked precision (Synchro) line.

My educational background supports my love for teaching: Elementary and Physical Education licenses, Masters in Education, and a Coaching Certificate. I have recently left teaching in the Eastern Carver County Schools and look forward to working with skaters once again!

Amy Nunn- USFS and PSA Coach, ACSM Exercise Physiologist

Specializes in competitive (IJS), excel, and recreational skaters, moves in the field, power, choreography, and off ice training.

Amy Nunn grew up skating at the Burnsville (MN Valley) Figure Skating Club. She trained at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs for 10 years. Throughout her time in Colorado, she completed her Gold Moves in the Field and Freestyle tests, was a 6-time Sectional qualifier, two-time International Competitor (France and China), as well as the 2008 National Collegiate Silver Medalist. Amy worked with many International, World, and Olympic coaches and choreographers, who helped her skating and coaching grow to heights she never imagined. She has also tested ice dance through Pre-Silver. In 2012, Amy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Exercise Science and is certified as an Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Amy firmly believes in off ice training to prevent injuries. Her coaching career began in 2004 at the Learn to Skate level and started assisting/teaching private students in 2008. She is a member of the USFS and PSA with a basic accreditation and continues to seek a higher education in all areas of coaching. Every skater has different learning styles, and Amy tries to tailor her coaching to reach the needs of each individual. Skating is a big passion in her life and it is a blessing to share that with her students"

Contact Info: email: amyenunn@gmail.com

Stan Houston - USFS and PSA Master Coach

Specializes in Competitive, Excel and Recreational skaters of all ages. Coaches Moves in the field, Dance, Freestyle, Pairs, Choreography, Power skating, Off ice training, and Jump Harness skating.

Stan has been involved in skating for over 55 years. He competed in freestyle and dance under the guidance of World and Olympic coaches Gus Lussi, Ron Ludington and Otto Gold.

Stan has coached all levels of skaters for over 46 years. Skaters are encouraged to have fun while learning all levels of skills and developing a love for the sport. He holds a Double Master Rating and Hockey 1 and 2 certification from the PSA. Information about PSA Ratings can be found at www.skatepsa.com under parent information. Stan's students have passed dozens of MIF, Dance and Freestyle Senior tests. They have competed in many National and International competitions. The PSA gives Stan a Level 3 Ranking. He has been a PSA certified mentor for various young coaches. He held an ISI Gold Judge's Certificate for many years.

Stan enjoys coaching skaters of all ages. Young skaters learn skills with toys and diagrams on the ice. Older skaters use novel exercises to master advanced skills. Stan has a special beginner rate.

Stan graduated from Bowdoin College (76) with a BS in Psychology. He was the director of the Bowdoin Arena Figure Skating School for many years.

Contact info: Phone 215-681-5764Email: skhoustonsk8@gmail.com

Emily Vogel

Specializes in all competitive, test track, and recreational skaters, moves in the field, choreography, and power skating

Emily began skating at the age of 6, and grew up skating in New Ulm, Minnesota, where she was competed and tested in various ISI and USFS levels and events. Emily has passed her USFS Gold Moves in the Field and USFS Novice Freeskate tests, and ISI Freestyle 8 test. During college, Emily continued to share her love and passion of figure skating in Marshall, MN. She coached at the Southwest Figure Skating Club and attended USFS test sessions and competitions with her skaters, helped with the Marshall Community Services Learn to Skate program, and directed the annual Skate with Santa special event for the Marshall community. Emily is a member of the United States Figure Skating Association and Professional Skaters Association and has certificates in Basic Accreditation, Professional Coach/Choreographer CER, and Hockey Skating l. Emily’s focus is freestyle, moves-in-the-field, power, and choreography. She enjoys coaching skaters of all ages and abilities in private ice and skate school and helping skaters reach to their greatest potential. Emily graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall with degrees in Physical Education emphasis in Sports Management and Human Resource Management Concentration.